Rack for displaying garments in stacked relation



M. COHEN Jan. 8, 1963 RACK FOR DISPLAYING GARMENTS IN STACKED RELATION Filed Sept. 21, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG.

Jan. 8, 1963 M. COHEN 3,072,263

RACK FOR DISPLAYING GARMENTS IN STACKED RELATION Filed Sept. 21, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR MAURICE COHEN WMN ATTORNEYS Jan. s, 1963 M. COHEN 3,072,263

RACK FOR DISPLAYING GARMENTS IN STACKED RELATION Filed Sept. 21, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 5 INVENTOR.

V MAURICE COHEIN BY M ATTORNEYS M. COHEN 3,072,263 RACK FOR DISPLAYING GARMENTS IN STACKED RELATION Jan. 8, 1963 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 21, 1960 FIIG.8

JNVENTOR. MAURICE COHENI BY ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,072,263 RACK FOR DISILAYING GARMENTS IN TACKED RELATION Maurice Cohen, 3580 NW. 52nd St, Miami, Fla. Filed Sept. 21, 1960, Ser. No. 57,535 20 Elaims. (Cl. 21].171)

The present invention relates to a rack for displaying garments in stacked relation. More particularly, the present invention relates to a garment display rack wherein the garments are displayed on hangers, each of which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis.

The display rack embodied herein is adapted to display various types of mens garments as well as other garments such as womens skirts. In the display of mens trousers, it has been the custom in many haberdasheries, and particularly the large haberdashery found in a department store, to display mens trousers in stacks on large tables. Although it is recognized that trouser stacks do not present a very attractive display, a large number of trousers may be displayed in this manner, thereby affording the customer a wide selection of trousers from which to choose. Moreover, the table type of display unit does provide the advantage of displaying the trousers at a convenient height and further provides a large working surface on which the customer may conveniently examine the trousers at their full length.

The present invention broadly incorporates the stacking principle in that the trousers are displayed one over the other in stacked relation. However, the rack embodied herein avoids the clumsy handling of the heretofore stacked trousers by displaying each of the trousers independently so that each may be inspected by the customer without removing or disturbing the position of any of the other trousers. In order to accomplish this unusual manner of displaying trousers, the present invention provides a rack in which a plurality of hangers are mounted in stepped vertical relation, each of the hangers being pivoted along a horizontal axis. Thus, each hanger is adapted to have a pair of trousers positioned thereon and is pivotally movable in a manner to enable the customer to easily and completely inspect the trousers as to quality and styling with a minimum of effort. Hence, because of the manner in which the hanger utilized with the rack is constructed, the trousers positioned thereon may be displayed in stacked relation, the hangers insuring that the stacks of trousers as displayed thereon are perfectly aligned and may be individually handled without disturbing the position of the adjacent trousers.

The broad principle of the invention further contemplates the displaying of womens skirts on hangers that are also pivoted on horizontal axes. In one form of the apparatus for displaying womens skirts, the structure is substantially the same as that utilized for displaying rnens trousers, with the exception that the skirt hangers are provided with clip means for retaining the skirts thereon. In another form of the apparatus for displaying womens skirts, a simplified unit is employed wherein the housing is eliminated and the hangers are mounted between a pair of spaced rails. In both forms of the invention wherein skirts are displayed, the normal position of the skirt hangers is in the elevated position thereof, the hangers being pivoted to a substantially horizontal position during the inspection of the garments.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a display rack that includes a plurality of hangers, each of which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a rack for displaying garments in stacks, wherein a plurality of hangers are incorporated therein that are disposed in spaced, stepped, vertical relation, each of the hangers being pivotally movable to a position whereby convenient access to the garments displayed thereon is aiforded.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a garment display rack that includes a housing formed with spaced inclined side rails, the side rails being adapted to support a plurality of hangers in stepped, vertical relation.

Still another object is to provide a garment rack for displaying trousers wherein the major portion of the trousers are hidden from view in the housing of said rack.

Still another object is to provide a garment rack that includes a housing on which a plurality of horizontally pivoted hangers are mounted, the hangers receiving trousers thereon, of which the waist and cuif portions extend into said housing and tend to retain the exposed portions of said trouesrs in a taut position.

Still another object is to provide a hanger for use in a trouser display rack that is adapted to retain a pair of trousers thereon and that includes means for displaying a portion of the trousers in a generally horizontal plane.

Still another object is to provide a garment hanger for use in a garment display rack that includes a stop structure for engaging an inclined frame, the stop structure being adapted to position the hanger in a generally horizontal plane, and further providing for limit of movement of the hanger to a generally upright position.

, Still another object is to provide a pivotally mounted hanger for use in trouser display racks wherein the trousers are positively retained on the hanger for movement therewith, and are easily and quickly removed from the hanger for inspection thereof.

Still another object is to provide a garment rack that is adapted to display Womens skirts in a generally vertical position, the hangers on which the skirts are displayed being normally located in elevated position.

Still another object is to provide a simplified display rack which includes back-to-back stacking units, the stacking units including a pleurality of vertically stepped hangers each of which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated by me for carrying out my invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the display rack embodied herein showing the display of mens trousers in vertically spaced stacked relation;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side vertical sectional view of a portion of the rack illustrated in FIG. l, showing the position of a group of the hangers in the normal or horizontal position thereof and further illustrating several of the hangers in the upright or elevated position thereof;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the display rack, showing the positions of the hangers as illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front vertical sectional view of a portion of the housing, illustrating the upright position of one of the hangers, the trousers displayed thereon being illustrated in dotted lines;

FIG. 5 is a side vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 2, of a modified form of the invention wherein womens skirts are shown being normally displayed in vertical position in the display rack.

FIG. 6 is a front vertical sectional view of the modified form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 5, showing the manner in which the skirts are retained in vertical relation by skirt hangers especially provided therefore;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a further modified form of the invention; and

FIG. 8 is a partial vertical sectional view of the rack illustrated in FIG. 7.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, the trouser display rack embodied herein is illustrated and includes a housing generally indicated at 10. The housing 10 is formed in a generally hollow structure that is defined by side walls, 12 and 14, front wall 16 and rear wall 18. The upper portion of the side walls 12 and 14 are inclined and include side rail members Ztl and 22 which cooperate with a central frame member 24 to form openings 26 and 28. The uppermost end of the openings 26 and 28 are defined by cross members 29, the openings 26, 28 extending the length of the inclined rail members 20, 22 and 24 and terminating at a horizontal shelf 30, the outer edge of which is joined to the front.

wall 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the stacking units generally indicated at 32 and 34 are positioned in the openings 26 and 28 respectively and although only two of stacking units are illustrated for purposes of this description, it is understood that the housing is may include additional units in side-by-side relation, depending upon the number of trousers required to be displayed. It is also understood that the trouser display rack may be constructed such that sliding doors are provided in place of the front wall 16 so that access to the interior of the housing would be available for the purpose of storing other haberdashery stock.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rail member 24 is shown having a plurality of holes formed on the inner surface thereof that are disposed in spaced relation and follow the inclination of the inclined rail member. Similarly positioned holes are also formed on the opposite side of the rail member 24 and in the inner surfaces of the rail members and 22. The holes formed in the rail members 20, 22 and 24 are adapted to receive hangers for pivotal movement therein, the description of the hangers and their movement between the rail members being described hereinafter. Also secured to the rail members 20, 22 and 24 are guards 36 that project above the frame members and are preferably formed of a impact resistant material such as a thermosetting plastic. The guards 36 are thus contacted by a stop portion of the hangers as will be described hereinafter and serve to prevent scratching or marring of the finish of the rail members during the pivot-a1 movement of the hangers.

Referring to FIG. 4, the hanger embodied herein is illustrated and is generally indicated at 38. The hanger 38 is adapted to receive a pair of trousers indicated at 48 thereon and it will be understood that the trousers 4% are for-med with a waist portion 42 and a cuff portion 44. Generally the hanger 38 is formed in a configuration that enables the trousers to be retained in positive position thereon regardless of the position assumed by the hanger as it is pivotally moved between the rail members. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the hanger 38 is formed with an outer rod 46 over which the trousers 48 are suspended. Joined to the outer rod 46 by curved ends 48 and 50 respectively, are reduced rod sections 52 and 54 which extend only a portion of the way inwardly with respect to the outer rod 46. Joined to the reduced sections 52, 54 respectively are parallel portions 56 and 58 that are positioned in generally perpendicular relation with respect to the reduced sections and cooperate with the reduced sections, the ends 48, 50 and the outer rod 4-6 to define a generally T configuration. The parallel rods 56 and 58 are bent outwardly at right angles at the inner ends thereof to form inner portions 60 and 62 respectively that are also disposed in parallel relation with respect to the reduced sections 52, 54 and outer rod 46.

The inner portions 6t) and 62 are formed with outwardly extending end portions 64 and 66 that are adapted to extend beyond the confines of the opening in which the hanger 38 is pivotally mounted for contacting the rail member guards 36. As will be described hereinafter, the end portions 64, '66 limit the pivotal movement of the 4. hanger 38 and define stop members for positioning the hanger in either the lower horizontal position or the upper vertical position. Secured to the inner portions 60, 62 in any convenient manner such as welding or brazing is an elongated rod 68 which is bent at right angles at the ends thereof to define arms 70, and 72.

Joined to the inner ends of the arms 70, 72 are inwardly turned projections 74 and 76 respectively, the projection 74, 76 being received within opposed holes formed in the adjacent rail members and defining the axis of rotation of the hanger 38. The hanger 38 is thus pivotally mounted between the frame members and is movable from a lower or horizontal position to an upper or upright position, the limit of movement being determined by the inclination of the rail members.

Since the outer ends 64, 66 of the inner rod portions 68, 62 extend somewhat beyond the parallel rod portions 7% 72, they are adapted to contact the guards 36 as the hanger 38 is pivotally moved between the rail members. The inclination of the rail members and the spacing of the holes therein enables the hangers 38 to be mounted therein in spaced, stepped relation. As seen in FIG. 3, the parallel portions 71 72 define radius arms which provide for the movement of the stop bar 68 in an arcuate path.

In order to provide a compact stacking unit and still provide sufficient space for not only inserting the trousers therein, but for enabling customers to conveniently handle the trousers, a large open space between adjacent hangers is necessary. As shown more clearly in FiGS. 2 and 3, the horizontal rod 46 from which the trousers 4d are suspended is considerably displaced from the pivotal axis of the hanger defined by the projections 74, 76. Thus, when the hanger 38 is moved from the lower or closed position, the approximate of rotation about the axis thereof results in a total movement of the rod 46 that is equivalent to more than one and one-half times the spacing between the rod 4-6 and the hanger axis. This spacing which is illustrated in FIG. 3, is the space between the uppermost of the horizontally disposed hangers and the most forwardly positioned upright hanger enables the trousers on the most forwardly positioned upright hanger to be conveniently examined and handled. Since the trouser leg and waist portions are substantially exposed when the hanger is moved upwardly to this position, the complete trouser may be inspected independently of the trousers mounted on the adjacent hangers.

When it is desired to move any of the hangers to an elevated or open position, either of the ends or 58 is grasped by the user and the hanger 38 is then rotated on its horizontal axis defined by the projections 74, 76 until the stops 64, 66 engage the guards at. It is seen that any of the hangers in the stacking units 32 or 34 may be moved upwardly as described depending upon which pair of trousers is to be inspected or removed from its hanger.

In order to securely retain the trousers 46) on the hanger 38, the trousers are draped over the outer horizontal rod 46, the legs 44 thereof extending behind the reduced sections 52, 54 the parallel portions 56, 58 and the inner bar 68.

Since the reduced sections 52, 54 force the portion of the trousers engaged thereby into fabric to fabric contact with the adjacent or rearrnost portion of the trousers, a positive non-slip grip on the trousers is defined. By suspending the trousers over the hanger in the manner illustrated, only the most desirable portion of the trousers is on display. The trousers are maintained taut and smooth appearing and this is accomplished by the interrelation of the non-slip grip afforded by the reduced sections 52 and 54 and the fact that the weighty waist band 42 and a major portion of the trouser legs including the cuff portion 44 hang over the horizontal rod 46 and extend into the concealed interior of the housing 10. Since the waistband 42 and the cult portion 44- hang in a vertical plane, the exposed portion of the trousers are maintained taut and neat in appearance at all times.

As shown in FIG. 1, when the trousers 40 are displayed in stacked relation on their respective hangers, the only visible portion of the trousers is the outer edge that extends around the outer rod 46. The stacking units are thus neat in appearance and just enough of each trouser is displayed to enable the viewing customer to properly select the color that he desires. Upon selecting the desired pair of trousers that he wishes to inspect, the customer then grasps either of the ends d8 or 50 and moves the hanger 38 with the selected trousers thereon to the upper or elevated position thereof. Since the stops 64, 66 of the inner rods 60, 62 strike the guards 36, the hanger will be retained in its upper or elevated position. It is understood that any hangers positioned vertically above the selected hanger will also be pivotally moved therewith to the elevated position. The trousers are removed from their hangers by slipping the trouser legs from behind the reduced sections 52, 54 and parallel portions 56, 58 and then removing the trousers from the rod 46. If desired, the hanger on which the selected trousers are displayed may be removed from between the frame members by releasing the projections 74, 76 from their respective holes, thereby enabling the customer to more closely inspect the trousers while still on its hanger.

The pivotal movement of the hangers 33 on their horizontal axes enables the trousers 40 to be inspected at any point between the closed or lower position and the open or elevated position. Since the waist portion 42 and the major part of the pants legs hang downwardly, the customer may easily inspect the individual trousers as he flips through the stack. Size indicators may be secured to the frame members or, if desired, an entire stacking unit may be designated as one size.

The particular formation of the hanger 38 is unique in that it not only enables the trousers to be positively retained in position thereon, but is so constructed that pivotal movement thereof is achieved without affecting the display of the trousers thereon. The ends 64, 66 of the stop bar 66*, 62 provide a simple but effective stop means for locating the hangers in the open or closed position, but it is the inclination of the rail members that enables the hangers of each stacking unit to be located in stepped vertical relation.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, a modified form of the invention is illustrated and includes a housing that is constructed similarly to the housing described above. The modified display racr also includes a plurality of stacking units which are defined by vertically spaced hangers, one of the hangers being generally indicated at 80 in FIG. 6. Contrasted with the display unit described above the rack illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 is adapted to receive and display womens skirts therein. Since skirts must be displayed in a vertical or hanging position to avoid the creasing thereof, the normal or closed position of the hangers 80 is the upright or elevated position thereof. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 a skirt which is indicated at 82, is normally suspended from a hanger 3d, the lower portions thereof falling within the confines of the housing and hidden from view therein.

The hanger 80 from which the skirt 82 is suspended is somewhat similar to the hanger 38 except that the positive grip feature is eliminated and clasps 84 are provided for retaining the skirt on the hanger. As shown more clearly in FIG. 6, the hanger 80 is formed in two parts that are joined to define a unitary construction.

The first part includes a generally U-shaped member that is defined by an outer rod 86 to which are joined at right angles with respect thereto, parallel portions 88 and 90. Joined to the parallel portions 88, 90 respectively, are inner rod portions 92 and 94 which terminate in ends 106 and 108 respectively. The ends 106 and 108 define stop bars that are adapted to engage the guards 36 during the pivotal movement of the hanger The second part of the hanger 80 is also formed in a generally U-shaped configuration and includes an elongated rod .194 that is joined to the inner rod portions 92 and 94 by brazing, welding or the like. Bent at right angles to the rod 104 are parallel arms 96 and 98 which have int urned projections ltill, 162 respectively joined thereto. The projections I00, I02 extend into oppositely positioned holes in the opposed rail members and thereby define the pivotal axis of the hanger 8%. The clamps '84 are of conventional design and are positioned on the outer rod 86 in spaced relation in order to effectively retain the skirt 82 on the hanger 8i). In order to properly space the hangers "8%) in their elevated position, the clasps 84 are preferably located in alternate spaced relation with respect to the adjacent hangers, whereby engagement of the adjacent clasps will'be avoided.

In use, the skirts 82 are suspended from the clasps 84 by their waistbands, the hangers 8% being normally located in the elevated position thereof and the lower portions of the skirts falling within the housing It). In the elevated position of the hanger 80, the end portions 1G6, 108 engage the guards 36 of the spaced rail members and due to the inclination of the rail members retain the hangers in spaced relation. When the customer wishes to inspect one of the skirts in more detail, the hangers disposed in front of the selected skirt are rotated on their pivotal axes to the lowermost position shown in FIG. 5, thereby providing for a clear and unobstructed area for inspecting and handling the selected skirt.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a further modified form of the invention is illustrated and comprises a rack generally indicated at 11% that is adapted to primarily display womens skirts. The skirt rack 110 includes a base defined by parallel leg members 112 that are for-med with feet 114 thereon. Secured to the leg members 112 and extending upwardly therefrom is an elongated vertical supporting member 116. The supporting member 116 includes marginal frames that are provided for rigidity and further enhance the appearance of the rack. Secured to the sides of the uppermost end of the supporting member 116 are spaced side members 118 which have a generally A configuration and are defined by a front inclined rail member 120, a rear inclined rail member 122 and a central portion 124 that is secured directly to the supporting member 116 and joins the rail members and 122 in a one piece construction, which construction provides for quick and easy assembly of the rack. Cross bars 126 connect the outermost ends of the opposed inclined rail members 120, I22 and maintain the outermost ends thereof in proper, spaced parallel relation. A top rail 128 extends across the top of the supporting member 116 and is secured to the uppermost end of the central portion 124 to positively secure the assembly together.

Formed in the inside surface of the front and rear inclined rail members 120, 122 are a plurality of aligned, spaced, vertically stepped holes that follow the inclination of the inclined rail members. Pivotally mounted in the aligned holes in the spaced front rail members 120 and in the spaced rear rail members 122 are a plurality of hangers 130'. The hangers 130 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 are adapted to display womens skirts thereon and are substantially identical to the hangers 84) illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 and described above. The hangers 130 are formed in a U-configuration, the ends thereof having shortened outwardly extending portions that project into opposed holes formed in the inclined rail members. Each of the hangers 13% further includes a stop bar 132 that is secured to the side portions of the hanger and that is spaced from the shortened outwardly extending portions, the stop bar 132 projecting slightly beyond the edge of the inclined rail members for engaging guards 134 fixed thereon.

The parallel side portions or arms of the hangers 130 are joined to the outer rod or bight portion thereof in such a manner as to form an obtuse angle therewith. It is seen therefore that upon insertion of the shortened portions or projections into the opposed holes formed in the rail members, the hanger arms will be spring loaded to effectively retain the hangers in the elevated p sition thereof. Secured to the outer rod or bight portion of each hanger 134} are spaced clips 136 which are adapted to receive the waistband of the skirt therein and thereby act to mount the skirts in the rack for display. One of the skirts shown in dotted lines in FIG. 8 is indicated at 133 and is illustrated in the vertical position thereof which is the normal position of display.

The sirts 138 are secured by their waistband to the clips 136 of the hangers 134i and are normally retained in a vertical position. The hangers 1.34) are thus normally disposed in the upper position thereof, the stop rod 132 engaging the guards 134 and retaining the hangers in their elevated position. When it is desired to remove, replace, or inspect a skirt those hangers immediately forwardly of the selected skirt are pivoted to the lower position thereof, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8. An open space or area is thus provided in front of the selected skirt to enable handling or inspecting of the selected skirt to be carried out with a minimum of effort and thereby eliminating any possibility of causing the adjacent skirt to become disarranged.

As contrasted with the display racks described above, the rack 110 includes back-to-back stacking units defined by the pivoted hangers 130 and indicated generally at 140 and 142. The rack 11!) thus not only defines a simplified version of the invention, but further provides for the displaying of a relatively large selection of garments in a limited area. The back-to-back stacking units 141 142 also provide for multiple customer viewing of the garments. In order to obtain the maximum number of hangers on the stacking units, the lowermost hanger 130 is secured in the opposed holes that are located closely adjacent the lowermost end of the spaced inclined rail members 120 and 122. Since the stop rod 132 of the lowermost hanger 130 is spaced from the pivotal axis of the hanger it clears the ends of the rail members 120, 122 when the hanger is pivoted to the position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. However, the lowermost hanger is effectively retained in proper horizontal position by the cross bar 126 which is engaged by the parallel side portions of the hanger.

In use, any of the hangers 136 are pivoted to the lowermost position thereof to expose the selected skirt. Since a large area or space is provided between the selected skirt and the lowered skirts, easy handling and inspection of the selected skirt is afforded.

It is seen that the rack illustrated herein is simple in construction and consists of relatively few parts. The design is modern and complements the surroundings of a modern establishment. Each garment located in one of the stacking units is easily accessible whereby the customer is able to conveniently inspect the garment without disturbing an adjacent garment. The arrangement of the garments in spaced, stepped vertical relation on the hangers avoids the prior known method of inspecting trousers wherein the selected trousers had to be pulled from underneath a heavy stack of trousers on a table top. Stooping, bending, and searching for information relating to the garment is avoided by the present invention since the size and price information may be conveniently marked on the housing, and the customer need do no more than stand in front of the rack and flip the stacking units to the garment of his selection.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claim.

What is claimed is:

1. In a rack for displaying garments, a support having spaced inclined members mounted thereon that are provided with upper protective surfaces, the space between said inclined members defining an opening for accommodating a stacking unit, a plurality of spaced holes formed on the interior surfaces of said inclined members and extending in an inclined direction, said stacking unit including a plurality of garment receiving hangers each of which includes outwardly extending projections mounted for pivotal movement in said holes, stops associated with each of said hangers and spaced from said projections, said stops being adapted to engage the protective surfaces of said inclined members, and each of said hangers being independently movable between a substantially horizontal position and a substantially elevated position.

2. In a rack for displaying garments, a housing having spaced inclined members that are formed with upper surfaces, a plurality of garment receiving hangers secured between said inclined members and including portions that engage said members for pivotally mounting, each of said hangers on a horizontal axis, each hanger including stop means that is adapted to engage the outer surfaces of said inclined members, the inclination of said members enabling said stop means to engage the upper surfaces of said inclined members when said hangers are located, said hangers in either a substantially horizontal position or in a substantially vertical position.

3. In a rack for displaying trousers, a housing having spaced side walls that include upwardly facing surfaces, the space between said side walls defining an opening that permits access to the interior of said housing, a plurality of hangers pivotally secured to said side walls, each of said hangers receiving trousers thereon, the cuff and waist portions of said trousers extending from said hangers through said opening into the interior of said housing, stop means joined to said hangers and engaging said upwardly facing surfaces for normally retaining said hangers in a generally horizontal plane wherein the portion of said trousers engaging said hangers are displayed in stacked relation, said hangers being pivotally movable from the display position to a generally upright position whereby the trousers are removable therefrom without interference with adjacent trousers.

4. In a rack for displaying trousers, a housing having spaced members that are formed with upwardly facing surfaces, a plurality of hangers secured between said members, each of said hangers being pivotally movable between said members on a horizontal axis and being adapted to receive a pair of trousers thereon, stop means associated with said hangers and being adapted to engage said upwardly facing surfaces of said members for locating said hangers in either substantially horizontal planes or in stepped vertical relation, each of said hangers being mounted on said members for pivotal movement on its horizontal axis from the horizontal position to an upper position, the selection of a hanger and movement thereof causing the hangers located adjacent thereto to be moved therewith, thereby exposing the selected hanger for inspection or removal of the trousers positioned thereon.

5. In a rack for displaying trousers, a housing having spaced, inclined members that include upwardly facing protective surfaces, a plurality of hangers mounted for pivotal movement on horizontal axes between said inclined members and in spaced, stepped relation, each of said hangers being adapted to receive a pair of trousers thereon and including stop means engaging said upwardly facing protective surfaces for normally retaining said hangers in a generally horizontal position, said hangers 9 being individually movable from the horizontal position to a generally upright position, wherein the hangers disposed upwardly of a selected hanger are movable therewith while the hangers disposed downwardly thereof remain in their horizontal position, the hangers moved to the upright position being retained therein by their respective stop means which engage said upwardly facing protective surfaces of said inclined members, whereby the selected hanger is readily accessible for removal or inspection of the trousers thereon.

6. In a rack for displaying garments, a support, at least two spaced members mounted on said support, and defining an opening therebetween, said spaced members including upwardly facing surfaces, a stacking unit positioned in said opening and mounted between said spaced members, said stacking unit including a plurality of hangers each of which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis between said spaced members, stops for-med on said hangers and being adapted to engage said upwardly facing surfaces, whereby said hangers are pivotally movable between limit positions that are defined by the engagement of said stops on said spaced members as said hangers are pivoted between said spaced members.

7. In a rack for displaying garments, a housing, at least two members mounted on said housing, in spaced relation to define an opening therebetween, a stacking unit positioned in said opening and between said members, said stacking unit including a plurality of hangers, each of which is pivotally mounted on a horizontal axis be tween said members and adapted to carry a garment for display thereon, said hangers being normally disposed in a first position to display a portion of the garments thereon, the remaining portion of said garments falling within said housing and being hidden from exterior view therein.

8. In a rack for displaying garments as set forth in claim 7, each of said hangers including a stop portion that is adapted to engage an upper surface of said members for normally retaining said hangers in the first position and for engaging another portion of said members upon pivotal movement of said hangers to positively locate said hangers in a second position.

9. In a rack for displaying garments as set forth in claim 8, each of said hangers further including an inner rod and an outer rod spaced from said inner rod with said garment extending over and spanning said inner rod and outer rod and falling within said housing in the first position of said hanger, wherein the portion of said garment spanning said outer rod and inner rod is held in taut relation by the weight of the portion of the garment that is supported by said inner rod.

10. In a rack for displaying garments as set forth in claim 7, each of said hangers including a rod over which a garment is adapted to be draped, said rod being spaced from the pivotal axis of the hanger of which it is a part, so that when said hanger is moved from the first position to the second position thereof, said garment is accessible for removal from said hangers.

11. In a garment display rack, a garment hanger including a horizontally extending outer rod over which a garment is adapted to be suspended, opposed reduced portions interconnected to said outer rod and spaced therefrom, said reduced portions being located in parallel relation with respect to said outer rod and cooperating therewith to effectively retain the garment therebetween that is suspended over said outer rod, spaced parallel portions joined to said reduced portions, spaced inner horizontal portions joined to said parallel portions, offset arms joined to said horizontal inner portions and bent at the outer ends thereof to define projections that form the pivotal axis of said hanger, and an inner rod joined to said horizontal portions and extending outwardly to define a limit when said hanger is mounted for pivotal movement on a support, said rod and outer rod cooperating to display a portion of the garment therebetween.

12. A garment hanger of the type that is adapted to be pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis on a garment rack, said hanger comprising an outer horizontal rod, an inner horizontal rod joined to said outer rod by interconnecting portions, and projections interconnected to said inner horizontal rod but spaced therefrom to define the pivotal axis of said hanger, said outer rod and inner rods being adapted to retain a garment thereon and cooperating to display a portion of said garment in taut relation therebetween.

13. In a rack for displaying garments, a support, at least two spaced side members mounted on said support, said side members including inclined rails that extend on opposite sides of said support and that have upwardly facing surfaces formed thereon, a plurality of hangers mounted on horizontal axes between said side members and on both sides of said support, whereby said hangers define back-to-back stacking units, each of said hangers including stop means that are adapted to engage said upwardly facing surfaces as said hangers are pivotally moved between said side members.

14. In a rack for displaying garments, a support, at least two spaced side members mounted on said support, said side members being spaced and including inclined rails that extend on opposite sides of said support, said rails including upwardly facing surfaces, a first set of hangers pivotally mounted between a pair of said inclined rails on one side of said support, and a second set of hangers pivotally mounted between a second pair of said inclined rails on the opposite side of said support, said first and second sets of hangers being movable on horizontal axes and defining back-to-back stacking units, and stop means associated with said hangers for engaging said upwardly facing surfaces as said hangers are pivotally moved between said rails to locate said hangers in either a generally horizontal position or in a generally vertical position.

15. In a rack as set forth in claim 14, the pivotal axis of each hanger being located in vertically stepped relation with respect to an adjacent hanger.

16. In rack for displaying garments, a support having spaced members mounted thereon that define side rails, said side rails being formed with upwardly facing surfaces that define protective areas therefor, a plurality of hangers mounted on said side rails for pivotal movement therebetween on horizontal axes, said hangers including stop members that are adapted to engage said upwardly facing surfaces for limiting movement of said hangers between a generally horizontal position and a generally vertical position. 17. In a rack for displaying garments, a support having lnclined spaced members mounted thereon that define side rails, a plurality of hangers, each of which is pivotally secured between said side rails and movable about a horizontal axis, the pivotal axis of each. hanger being located in spaced, stepped, vertical relation with respect to the next adjacent hanger, each of said hangers being defined by a wire frame that includes an outer horizontal rod and an inner horizontal rod spaced from said outer horizontal rod, said rods receiving a garment thereon in suspended relation, said inner horizontal rod being displaced from the pivotal axis of said hanger to define an access opening through which the garment extends that is suspended over said outer and inner horizontal rods, the portion of said garment that extends through said access opening being received within said support.

18. In a garment hanger of the type that is adapted to be pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis on a garment rack, said hanger comprising a wire frame having an outer horizontal rod from which a garment is adapted to be suspended, an inner horizontal portion interconnected to said outer horizontal rod that projects outwardly of said wire frame to define stop means when said hanger is mounted between side rails, and projections interconnected to said horizontal rod by an intermediate portion of said wire frame and defining the pivotal axis of said hanger, a space being defined between said pivotal axis and said stop means.

19. In a garment hanger as set forth in claim 18, at least one shortened horizontally extending portion formed on said wire frame and spaced from said outer horizontal rod to define a clip therewith for retaining said garment in position on said hanger.

20. In a rack as set forth in claim 7, each of said hangers being pivotally movable to a second position wherein an access opening is formed therebetween and an adjacent hanger, said access opening being considerably greater than that formed by the normal spacing of said hangers and providing for ready access to the garment supported on the hanger that is moved.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

1. IN A RACK FOR DISPLAYING GARMENTS, A SUPPORT HAVING SPACED INCLINED MEMBER MOUNTED THEREON THAT ARE PRO VIDED WITH UPPER PROTECTIVE SURFACES, THE SPACE BETWEEN SAID INCLINED MEMBERS DEFINING AN OPENING FOR ACCOMMODATING A STACKING UNIT, A PLURALITY OF SPACED HOLES FORMED ON THE INTERIOR SURFACES OF SAID INCLINED MEMBER AND EXTENDING IN AN INCLINED DIRECTION SAID STACKING UNIT INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF GARMENT RECEIVING HANGERS EACH OF WHICH INCLUDES OUTWARDLY EXTENDING PROJECTIONS MOUNTED FOR PIVOTAL MOVEMENT IN SAID HOLES, STOPS ASSOCIATED WITH EACH OF SAID HANGERS AND SPACED FROM SAID PROJECTIONS, SAID STOPS BEING ADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE PROTECTIVE SURFACES OF SAID INCLINED MEMBERS, AND EACH OF SAID HANGERS BEING INDEPENDENTLY MOVABLE BETWEEN A SUBSTANTIALY HORIZONTAL POSITION AND A SUBSTANTIALLY ELEVATED POSITION. 